Day 32: Eat My Feelings

You're bored. You're upset. You created a bad habit. Surprisingly, eating isn't always the solution to everything - and it won't always make you feel better . . .

WOMAN: . . . I just want to eat my feelings . . .

THERAPIST: Ok, you can do that.

WOMAN: WHAT? REALLY?!?

THERAPIST: Yes, but first you have to identify your emotions and tell me why you think you're feeling them.

WOMAN: [mumbles] . . . I'm not hungry anymore . . .

Day 31: Gettin' The Band Back Together

If this happened in real life (and I got to be a fly on the wall to witness it) I would be sooooo happy!!

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SETTING: High School Reunion

STEVE: Hey, Jim.

JIM: Hey, Steve.

STEVE: So, I was thinking since everyone's back for a couple of days, what do you say we try to get the old band back together?

JIM: That's a great idea! I'll tell Connie & Bill.

TEXT MESSAGES

JIM: Jam Sesh with the old band. Tomorrow at 3

CONNIE: OMG, YES!!! I'll tell the others.

BILL: The bldgs open all wkend. Lets use the music rm

3:00PM - MUSIC RM - JAM SESSION

. . . as in, High School Band . . . not what you were expecting, huh???!

Day 30: Summer School

Summer break may be in full swing, but one school near where I live isn't letting that stop it from engaging minds.

Very interesting . . . Do you think it's speaking generally or to something specific? I'm not sure, but I certainly like the idea!

Day 29: I Hate Purple

I hopped off the train a stop early today, since the weather was so nice. As I walked the half mile home I'm looking all over the place, observing, as usual.

I pass a woman who looked very similar to this:

I keep walking.

Then I come upon one of the most unique car colors I've ever seen . . . pass by, back it up, and snap some documentation:

As I'm finishing up my data collection, who should I see walk right up to this vehicle with key in hand?!

(I feel you can already guess what I'm about to reveal, but just in case, I'll say it anyway.)

THE PURPLE HAIRED WOMAN!

I hurried away as soon as I saw her so as not to give away my surprised delight, then continued the rest of the way home with a giant smile plastered to my face. Seriously, that thing was stuck tight. I hope one day you have the opportunity to witness someone whose un-natural hair color matches the color of their car. Then you'll really understand what I mean about a grin that just won't quit.

Day 28: Office Space

I spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Not an ideal first sentence, as it paints a mildly inaccurate picture. But it's true - I spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Mostly due to the fact that the bathroom is where I exercise. Think that's weird? That's fine - and apparently a common sentiment (unless you're one of my sisters visiting for the first time "whoa, your bathroom is huge! You could exercise in here!" And that was completely unprompted. Naturally, I was beaming).

Today, after my morning chunk of time I found myself back in the restroom. This time, to work [but not on the toilet, that's gross].

Despite what some may say, I don't really like spending sooo much time in the bathroom. And it's certainly not in my top 5-10 picks for work spaces. However, I had no choice. I had a phone interview and my room was just too darn loud. The neighbors next door are having their deck professionally power washed. They even wrapped my roommate's boyfriend's car so as not to risk it getting damaged. I'm not sure who this company is, but based on that, I'd recommend them!

Can you see the water spray? Look close between the fence and the bridge

So you see, I had no choice but to work in the bathroom where it was quiet and private. But I must say, it played the role of standing work space quite well. The counter is the perfect height for my short little legs.

All in all it wasn't a bad experience. I'm not saying it's my new go-to work space (because then I really WOULD be spending all of my time in the bathroom), but I won't completely rule out the idea in the future.

Day 27: New neighbor

On my afternoon walk today I was taken aback by this figure . . . in the bushes . . .

Upon closer investigation, I was able to identify the man - and something tells me you will, too.

Whether hiding or creeping, I'm not quite sure. But I do know he gets around. Thinking back, I spotted him peeking out of a house window the other week! Be on your guard, people. He's everywhere!

Day 26: Enchantment of the Questionable Kind

The word 'Enchantment' is really quite an enchanting word. If you're like me, you're quick to associate it with wonderful fun and thrilling things, but I'm not so sure that's always the case . . .

Let me take you to a quite enchanting place I visited, yet, wonderful and thrilling might not be how I would describe it . . .

Nor am I eager to pass under an entryway guarded by a constant "picker." Who knows where those boogs are going to end up!

Ah, a strong and courageous protector. The look of sheer terror really makes me feel confident he'll be ready for action at a moment's notice!

And last, but certainly not least, the creepiest vibing man face I've encountered ... 

and Jack Nicholson.

Odd and creepy might be a slightly more appropriate way of describing the individuals I saw. But who doesn't like a little creepy every now and then?

Day 25: Simple Pleasures

Ah, the simple pleasures of running in a stationary place and jumping on command . . .

Or perhaps it's more a pleasure for the viewer of such a spectacle . . . I'm going to go with the latter.

Day 24: Safari Arms

The other day I was working by the sunny window and looked down at my arms as the light shined upon them.

Whoa! Those things are really hairy!!! Thankfully my arm hairs are light so the forest that grows there isn't too noticeable. But once the light hits them, boy do they shine.

Like a thick brush . . . on a jungle safari . . . 

where one poor schmuck didn't remember to bring sunscreen . . .

Day 23: Feeling Self-Conscious?

If you weren't before, you might be now! 

I can't tell you how thoroughly I enjoyed seeing this train ad today. As a chronic observationist, I typically notice things like small chins or large chins, rufus chins, normal chins, and even completely different features.

Ok, the rufus chin is sort of an inside joke, but does anyone who's seen Never Been Kissed know what I'm talking about?!

Naturally, after enjoying the train ad I started scanning. You know, just casually seeing who's on the train, not looking for anything in particular. But wouldn't you know it, I spotted a small chinned lady instantly! Her photo wasn't taken to protect her identity, so you can just imagine she looked like this:

I honestly wonder though, how many people see this ad and then feel a little self-conscious? Or maybe some people don't even notice they have a small chin - is that possible? I mean your face is your face and it's normal to you . . .
Perhaps I'll never know.

Day 22: My Favorite Food Is...Green

Today I made falafel - using an awesome recipe from the back of a bag of dried chickpeas. I've now duly noted that dried chickpeas, instead of canned, seriously up your falafel game.

Monday I made Apple Broccoli Soup. Sounds strange, right? And maybe a little too healthy? As if too healthy was a thing . . . nonsense! What's not nonsense is this soup. It's so tasty and tastes even better the next day - at least in my opinion. Or as the girl from an old Hidden Valley Ranch commercial would say "It really taste-es good!" (gross). I also think it's nice eaten hot or cold, but then again, I'm not a picky eater.

Christmas 2011 I enjoyed the most delightful cup o' joe. Made evermore thrilling thanks to left over dyed sprinkles.

My whole life I've pretty much eaten Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - but the green kind if I could help it, not the white. I need visual proof of the mint flavor, and green clearly does it.

It's pure coincidence that my face mask happens 

to be the exact same color as my ice cream.

Are you noticing a trend here? It dawned on me mid falafel-making that my Favorite Food Is...Green. Lima beans, avocado, key lime pie - I love them all! It really makes sense. I have SUCH a hard time answering the 'what's your favorite food' question whenever someone asks because there are way too many foods to choose from. So from now on I'm just going to answer that question with a color . . . and hope I have a camera handy to capture their perplexed reaction.

Day 21: Caution - Falling Parts

Today I went to Stanley's Produce. The best and cheapest place to get produce!  . . . in my opinion. I've heard others complain, "when I go there all of my food goes bad after a few days!"
[blink, blink]
Well, yeah. That's what normal produce is supposed to do. It's not my fault you don't eat or prep your food right away! If you need lessons on this, catch me after this story - we'll talk.

Anywhosey, I was on my way home after a record time in-and-out of my favorite grocery store, riding the bus. Just a typical ride, such as you would find here:

 

(Photo credit: Blogspot.com)

. . . though a bit less crowded than at other times - which I really appreciated so I could put my bags on the seat next to me. 😃 As the CTA strongly encourages . . .

So there the five of us were, still sitting on the bus, just living in our own worlds when what should bring us back to a collective reality? A loud, metally, clang. Something fell! I quickly scanned the front of the bus for an elderly gentleman's metal cane or a frying pan. But all I, and the man sitting across from me (who refused to make full eye contact and acknowledge the randomness of what just happened) could see was this:

What is it you ask? A hanging handle previously attached to the pole above.

My first thought was, 'whoa, weird.' Then I started thinking how lucky it was that no one was holding on to that particular handle when it disassembled. Imagine if they fell and got hurt! Or fell on someone else and hurt them!! And then they both sued the CTA! Yikes, what a mess that would be . . .

Day 20: Electronic Denial

Sunday. The weekend bouncer. Giving you one last morning of bliss before kicking you out around 4:00pm to meet Despair on the corner.

What, that's just me? Or should I say WAS just me when I was unhappily employed?

Whether you relate to this drop in morale at the close of the weekend or not, I witnessed today that humans are not the only creatures to experience the Sunday blues.

Case in point: the electronic CVS sign

Note: this image is just to make sure your mind is envisioning the correct type of sign, this occurrence did take place today (despite the 2013 date).

Now that we are all thinking of the same thing, imagine you look at the sign to see today's date and the time, 4:44pm. Before you look away the time changes - to 4:43pm! You do a double take. It's back to 4:44pm.
 - Huh? - 
Were your eyes playing tricks on you? Could that really have happened?

Yep, I believe it could - because it DID. Just proof that CVS doesn't like saying goodbye to the weekend either. Now I'm curious to see what sort of stunts it'd pull on a Monday . . .

Day 19: DJ Zucchini

As overheard on the bus . . .

"DJ Zuchini."
'What??'
"Yeah, that's his name. He doesn't have a very big following. It's like me and 29 other people . . ."

Spin on, Summer Squash, spin on

Day 18: Shadow Beauty

Walking to the park today, I was quite taken by the shadows of the leaves on the sidewalk.
'How beautiful!' I thought, 'it would make a lovely print on fabric...'

Some shadows, like people, are kind of plain - what you see is what you get. But some are more complex, also like people, with differing layers to the overall shadow. This is something I hadn't really noticed before - about shadows, that is. . .

For example:

[plain, but beautiful, shadow]

[Complex, also beautiful, shadow]

See the difference?! I certainly hope so . . . otherwise I might worry that if you met me you'd think I'm plain, which I would argue I am not! (and I'd like to think you would too).

Day 17: People on the Train

The highest pitched voice I've heard in quite a while is emitted on the train.
Where's it coming from??
Whoa! Right next to me?!

I did not expect that from the squat man so seemingly engrossed in his phone. 

Swaying back and forth, crouched over his phone he lets out another eruption of shock and disgust:
"eee, are you kidding me?! What the fu@$? [Unintelligible]."

Hmm, didn't expect that... but then it kept happening.. again and again.. so did the swaying to and fro. I think I might have Tourettes (syndrome), or perhaps is autistic... 

While his vocalizations were in the tone of disgust, he seemed to be doing quite a good job of entertaining himself during his commute . . . to each his own - and good work!

Day 16: Moody Flag Day

Happy Flag Day!
Since the beginning of June, we've been feeling like summer weather is here - and here to stay. The kind of weather that makes you want to go for a cruise on your three-wheeler [after first complaining that you can't do it and it's too hard - because that's the secret ingredient to making activities more fun for everyone].

Clearly this girl knows what's up:

Going for a ride on a hot day. The wind blowing in your hair. Not a care in the world, until . . . the buildings start to melt!

Dripping, dropping, soggy to the ground; as if the heat of the day is too intense even for bricks to withstand! It's not until you feel the drop in temperature and hear the clapping of thunder that you realize what's happening. In an instant it is no longer a hot summer day, it's a treacherous afternoon during monsoon season.

Day 15 - So Many Questions

Riddle me this . . .

What has two windows, but no glass?

One gate, but no door?

Allows entry in and exit out?

Opens into shrubs and out to the world?

No, seriously. I don't get it... WHY is there a gate here? 

Why is there even a fence? There are only shrubs on the other side. Maybe the fence isn't there for the shrubs. Perhaps it's for the windows. . . because the residents got broken into one too many times and had to resort to boarding up their windows and carrying out out their lives as nocturnal hermits . . . or maybe not. 

But who knows?

Day 14 - Challenge Fail

I have a confession to make, I have already failed my 365 Days of Wonder observation sharing challenge. Who would have thought it would be that difficult? Post something each day, not that hard, right? Apparently not.

Despite this early downfall, I'm going to try to get back on track. Especially since I've finally gone through the slow realization that each of these posts of interesting thoughts and sights are actually micro stories; getting me to practice writing and creative thinking every day. Wow! What an excellent bonus to my original goal for this project.

Here's to curiosity, imagination, and timeliness!

Day 13 - Maintenance Update

Well, after the big day, the final result is: Still fading!

- BUT -

The shoes think the color held up until they were finished dancing, so at least the emergency procedure served it's purpose.

Day 12 - High Maintenance

My shoes came in the other day looking for some help.

"I have a big performance on Sunday and I can't let these white soles reveal my age!" the shoes cried.

'No problem, I can help,' I said. And with the assistance of Dr. Sharpie, we got to work . . .

As in most maintenance salons, my client shared EVERYTHING.
". . . when I was young, I never thought I'd be able to tie my laces . . . I just can't stand hot weather - I hate being smelly! I'm more of a fall walker . . . for my big performance all of the other shoes are jet black from heel to toe! I'm so embarrassed of my white soles. I can't wait to see how this turns out - ALL BLACK! I can't wait! . . ."

Progress was slow, but the results were sure to be worth it. Things were really coming along . . .

Just look at that transformation!

Unfortunately, the success was short lived. The shoes dialed me up in a panic the next morning: "It's fading! It's fading! I don't know what to do!!!"

Oh, no! The color didn't take!

Panicked and frustrated, the shoes carried out their day, then raced over to my place as fast as lightning that night for an emergency touch up.

Tomorrow is the shoes' big day, so we're all nervously waiting to hear how it goes and if the procedure holds up.

365 DW - Day 11

Shotgun Buddy

Nothing captures the beauty of nature quite like sun rays on a tree . . .

But what's really nice is when you're able to capture the progress of illumination from dark to light.

Gradually growing brighter and brig- Wait . . . what's that?

Is that a RABBIT?!

Why, yes. Yes, it is! All buckled in and ready to go. 

. . Um . . . this is unexpected . . . ?

Well, whether shotgun buddy or vehicular security, it looks like he gets the job done.